Overview & Reviews

After an extremely successful introductory year, Mazda's Tribute SUV receives only minor modifications for 2002. DX models get additional standard equipment in the form of alloy wheels, dark-tinted glass and remote keyless entry. After a short production run, however, the DX-V6 model will be discontinued. Midgrade LX models can be ordered with ABS as a stand-alone option (last year it was bundled with side airbags) and with a six-way power driver seat. Both LX and ES models get a new driver lumbar support feature. Side step tubes are a new option on all Tribs, and four new colors debut for 2002.

• Stout V6 power, rugged good looks, roomy cabin, attractive pricing.

• Weak standard four-cylinder engine, no low-range transfer case.

User Reviews:

Showing 81 through 90 of 137.00

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  Zoom Zoom Zoom - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Shawnee - November 11 - 10:00 am

  We have owned 2 Mazdas. Great value, reliable, fun to drive.. The seats are awesome.. so comfortable. Would purchase another Tribute without a thought..

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  My 2002 Tribute Review - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By bluehills55 - October 17 - 10:00 am

  After 9 months and 12,500 miles, all I can say about my Tribute is that it has been a real pleasure ride and theres not a day that goes by that someone compliments the exterior design and looks of this SUV (I have black). I just came back from Florida and put the 4WD to the test on the most sandiest and secluded beaches without any problems. You never know your driving a SUV.It drives, feels and handles like a higher end mid size car. The only problem I have had was a broken back seat latch which the dealer replaced and the horn stopped working (not sure why yet and have an appt with the dealer). No other problems.

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  Good choice for Small SUV - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Carficionado - October 3 - 5:33 am

  Tribute is a nice ride. Was very reliable but there were some annoying build quality issues, like spaces in between the body panels and my A/C - heating went out at 30K! Absurd. Maybe a fan/blower issue. MPG is not good (14-16) if you drive aggressively but its hard not to because the V6 is great. Economic driving will see 21-22 mpg consistently. 4wd works great. Never got stuck & I took it through a few snow storms of 7"plus and this baby plowed right through. Ground clearance is great as I have been light off-roading and gone through severely washed out roads 8-10" of water. Safety is great as SUV is wrecked after someone knocked it into a concrete median on the highway, and walked away with scrapes/bruises.

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  Best value in mini-SUVs - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By cobraal - September 11 - 10:00 am

  We just rolled over 10K trouble-free miles in our 2wd Tributes ES. The Tribute has to be the best value in the mini-SUV market. It has as much or more passenger room (especially in the backseat) and cargo room as some midsize SUVs but in the size and price of a mini-SUV. My wife likes the driving position, its small proportions and low step-in height. It handles well for a tall vehicle, has great power, brakes and steering. The biggest surprise has been how smooth and quiet the engine and ride are. Plus we get 22 mpg in normal driving. Great value, highly recommended.

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  Good looks and great handling - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Lhoward - September 5 - 10:00 am

  I have been researching SUVs for months. The Toyota Highlander, Hyundai Santa Fe and Toyota RAV 4 were also on my list of hopefuls and I test-drove each one. What sold me on the Tribute is the handling, power of the V6 and the std. options available on the ES trimline. Because of a fleet program my Company participates in and a rebate offered by Mazda, I got my Tribute for $1,600 below dealer invoice. The Highlander is also nice but too costly once you add all of the same options offered in the Tribute.

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  6 Years Later - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By Carl - September 4 - 7:56 am

  Mazda Navajo Owner for 10 years - best vehicle ever; purchased Tribute and was satisfied with vehicle until the warranty ran out. Immediately thereafter, vehicle falling apart. Computer failed and stranded me 300 miles from home; cruise control not working, instrument panel not working,airbag sensor faulty, many electrical problems; power door locks failed and replaced; power window switches failed/replaced; fluid leaks that mechanics cannot locate, brake dust is horrible on wheels. Every week a new problem develops on this vehicle. Very disappointed -- the Mazda Tribute fails in comparison to my previous Navajo which went 150,000 miles no problems. The Tribute fell apart at 70,000 miles.

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  stranded w/ 2 kids - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By stranded w/ 2 kids - July 24 - 10:00 am

  I have only had my Tribute for 3.5 months and it died on me. I had two kids in the car and it was 100 degrees outside. My youngest was only 2 months old! My dealer came to our rescue and got us out of the heat pretty quick. Turns out there was a power control module that had to be reprogrammed. We had a Mazda MX3 years ago and loved it but my confidence has been shaken this time.

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  Beware - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By snorkymn - July 24 - 10:00 am

  I bought a Tribute on Monday evening, it was in the shop on Thursday morning after it stalled while sitting at a stoplight. It didnt even have 150 miles on it yet. The dealer said it was a problem withe Pollution Control Valve or its sensor and they are going to replace it. Seeing some of these other bad reviews, I tend to wonder what will be next.

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  No Problems Here - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By GMan - April 12 - 2:00 am

  Have had my Tribute for about 7 months now and am quite happy with it. Only thing which stands out is gas mileage which seems poor. Other than that, comfort and handling is excellent as well as performance.

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  The soul of a sports car in an SUV - 2002 Mazda Tribute
  By uncle_teddy_78 - March 18 - 10:00 am

  In Dec. 2001, I bought my ES-V6 with tow+lux package. By June 2002, it has 13,000+ miles. This is the best car I have had in a long time. Never experienced the stalling issue . As far as the gear shift being in front of the volume control, that is fine with me, the shifter allows me to rest my hand while rotating the control or searching through cd tracks. I love how it jumps off the line at a red light. Zoom Zoom.